Nightwitch

Jack Priest

Priest's third (and, to date, most recent) novel opens with a somewhat confusing chapter. Stick around, it'll all make sense in a few chapters. The gist, as related by the back cover: a professional thief has stolen a locket from a shape-changing witch (the title character), which contains her essence and grants her immortality. Thus, she wants it back. The catch is that said thief has given it to his daughter; she and a friend will have to face the witch themselves, for what adults will believe that they're being pursued by an immortal, shape-changing witch?

While not packing the same level of adrenaline of Priest's debut novel Ragged Man, this is a good, solid thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The characters are well-drawn, the action good, and the pacing excellent. Another winner from Jack Priest.